Health & Fitness Instructor Training in Ireland

National Council for Exercise & Fitness, Limerick:
The National Council for Exercise & Fitness is an independent company limited by guarantee and operates on a not-for-profit basis, which provides comprehensive education and training for Exercise & Health Fitness Professional Instructors in Ireland. With a database of over 12,000, the NCEF is the largest and longest established provider of education and training for Exercise and Health Fitness Professionals in Ireland.

Certificate in Exercise and Health Fitness (CEHF)
Awarded by the University of Limerick
NQF Level 6

This programme offers 60 ECTS credits towards the B.Sc. in Exercise & Health Fitness.

Health & Fitness Instructors who hold the CEHF qualification are educated & trained to provide instruction in exercise to music, step aerobics, circuit and resistance training. Equally important is their ability to assess fitness levels and to plan safe, effective and enjoyable exercise programmes for individuals or groups of all abilities. CEHF qualified instructors make a positive contribution to the health and well being of the Irish people by encouraging and motivating adults of all ages to pursue physically active lifestyles, to eat healthy food and to manage stress effectively.

P[img1]rogramme Details:
This programme forms Stage 1 of the Diploma in Exercise & Health Fitness. It can be undertaken by day (Mon-Thurs), weekend (Fri & Sat) or evenings (Tues & Thurs), depending on location. Certificates are awarded by the University of Limerick to candidates who have successfully completed an intensive programme of practical and theoretical studies.

Entry Requirements:

1. Candidates should hold the Irish Leaving Certificate with minimum Grade D3 in five Ordinary Level subjects (including Maths, Irish or another language, and English) OR an approved equivalent qualification. Other standards within Leaving Certificate or other levels of education will be considered under the NCEF/UL approved policy of Recognised Prior Learning (RPL).
If Leaving Cert Equivalent Qualification must be submitted in the English Language (official translation to English will be requested).
2. Non EU Nationals must submit a Study Visa and copies of passport documentation (Please note Originals may be requested).
3. Applicants should have a commitment to encouraging others to take part in healthy activity, a desire to become a safe and competent instructor and have a confident, enthusiastic and adaptable personality.
4. Experience of participation in a fitness activity or a particular sport is important whilst good rhythm and co-ordination is also desirable.
5. Applicants should have good communication skills and enjoy working with people.
6. Selection for the programme will be based on the Application Form.
7. NCEF reserves the right to interview if required.

Diploma in Exercise and Health Fitness (DEHF)
Awarded by the University of Limerick
NQF Level 7

The purpose of the DEHF is to provide[img2] an opportunity for aspiring exercise & health fitness professionals to follow a pathway from certificate at NFQ Level 6 to diploma at NFQ Level 7 by accumulating credits European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) on a stage by stage basis.  Stage 1 offers the Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (CEHF), while Stage 2 provides opportunities for further specialisation in specific areas within the industry (e.g. Personal Training). Those who proceed onto Stage 3 – either Tutor Education or to Practitioner Education (in the proposed new Dual Pathway) can either choose to focus their work as NCEF Tutors at Stage 1 CEHF or Stage 2 Specialist level or, in choosing Strand 2 – Practitioner Education, choose to work at higher specialised levels within the industry, as specialist instructors and/or in supervisory management positions.

The DEHF programme provides a unique structure through which the programme participant can access from a basic level of second level education into a certificate programme in exercise and health fitness (Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness - NQF Level 6) and can then take the opportunity to progress further into specialist qualifications while in employment and then onwards to Tutor Education or Practitioner Education in Exercise & Health Fitness, culminating in the Diploma in Exercise & Health Fitness. Credit is awarded at the various stages, accumulating to the proposed credit requirements for diploma level (NFQ Level 7).

By providing a structure through which the qualification can be obtained on a stage by stage basis the principle of lifelong learning is strongly supported and enhanced.

Further opportunities to progress to NQF Level 8 in Exercise & Health Fitness and/or related areas at third Level in Ireland are currently being researched and developed by the NCEF.

For information on all of the Specialist Modules including start time, costs etc.. please contact us quickly via our Contact Page.[img3]